Work That Requires a Permit
Item 1: Water heater replacement — most municipalities require a permit for water heater installation or replacement. We handle permit coordination on all water heater jobs.
Item 2: Sewer line repair or replacement — any excavation or repair to the main sewer line requires a permit. Trenchless repairs (CIPP) typically also require permitting.
Item 3: New rough-in plumbing — adding plumbing for a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room requires a permit and inspection.
Item 4: Gas line work — any modifications to gas piping require a permit and often a pressure test by the inspector.
Item 5: Water service replacement — replacing the supply line from the street to the house.
Work That Generally Doesn't Require a Permit
Item 1: Faucet replacement — swapping out fixtures in kind.
Item 2: Toilet replacement — replacing with the same configuration.
Item 3: Drain cleaning — clearing a blockage is maintenance, not construction.
Item 4: Leak repair — fixing a pinhole or joint leak without relocating pipe.
Item 5: Water heater anode rod, thermocouple, or expansion tank replacement.
Note: Requirements vary by municipality. When in doubt, we'll tell you what's required for your specific job and town.
How the Permit Process Works
We handle the entire process on your behalf. You don't need to visit any office or deal with any paperwork.
Q1: What happens if a plumber does permitted work without a permit?
A1: You (the homeowner) may face fines, be required to redo the work, and face complications when selling the house. Always ask whether your job requires a permit and whether your plumber will pull it.
Q2: Who is responsible for getting the permit — me or the plumber?
A2: In most cases, the licensed contractor pulls the permit on the homeowner's behalf. We handle permit applications for all jobs that require one.
Q3: Does pulling a permit make the job cost more?
A3: Permit fees vary — usually $50–$200 for most residential plumbing work. We pass through the actual fee with no markup.